LIBRARY   HANDBOOK,  No.  0 


MENDING  AND  REPAIR 
OF  BOOKS 


COMPILED   BY 

MARGARET  WRIGHT  BROWN 


THIRD  EDITION 

REVISED  BY 

GERTRUDE  STILES 

Supervisor  of  Binding,  Cleveland  Public  Library 


AMERICAN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION  PUBLISHING  BOARD 

C    ;:GAGO 

'  9  :  I  - 


MENDING  AND  REPAIR 
OF  BOOKS 


LIBRARY   HANDBOOK,  No.  6 


MENDING  AND  REPAIR 
OF  BOOKS 


COMPILED  BY 

MARGARET  WRIGHT  BROWN 


THIRD  EDITION 

REVISED  BY 

GERTRUDE  STILES 

Supervisor  of  Binding,  Cleveland  Public  Library 


AMERICAN  LIBRARY  ASSOCIATION  PUBLISHING  BOARD 
%  CHICAGO 

1916 


CONTENTS 

PAGE 

INTRODUCTORY    XOTE 7 

WHEN  TO  BIND  OR  WHEN  TO  MEND 9 

THE  MENDING  TABLE:     ITS  SUPPLIES 12 

PASTE,   THE   MENDING  MEDIUM 13 

WAYS  TO  MEND 14 

WAYS  TO  CLEAN 20 

BINDING  RECORD 22 

TEMPORARY  BINDERS  23 


348049 


INTRODUCTORY  NOTE 

THE  task  of  mending  demands  so  much  of  the  time  and 
energy  of  library  workers  and  is  a  factor  of  such  eco- 
nomic importance  in  every  public  library  that  it  cannot 
be  put  aside  as  incidental. 

It  is  hoped  that  these  suggestions  may  give  definite  aid 
in  this  homely  task  which  is  ever  present  in  all  libraries. 

No  attempt  has  been  made  to  give  instruction  in  the 
advanced  processes  of  mending,  as  this  at  once  encroaches 
on  the  art  of  binding. 

The  best  mending  can  be  done  only  where  an  acquaintance 
with  the  construction  of  the  book  has  been  acquired  through 
a  study  of  the  various  processes  of  binding.  Librarians  are 
urged  to  visit  binderies  to  see  the  various  processes;  and  to 
study  the  art  of  binding  under  personal  instruction  of  experi- 
enced binders  whenever  this  is  feasible. 

It  is  not  probable  that  any  one  librarian  will  use  all  of 
the  processes  suggested,  and  some  of  these  will  apply  only 
to  exceptional  cases;  but  the  directions  cover  diversified  condi- 
tions in  order  that  the  librarian  may  have  the  necessary 
information  whenever  required. 

The  experienced  mender.  This  handbook  has  not  been 
prepared  for  the  use  of  the  larger  libraries  where  a  bindery 
is  a  part  of  the  equipment,  or  where  there  are  on  the  staff 
those  trained  in  binding  and  hence  experienced  menders. 

The  inexperienced  mender.  The  purpose  of  this  handbook 
is  to  give  practical  aid  and  guidance  to  librarians  who  are 
entirely  inexperienced  in  the  work  of  mending  and  repair  of 
books  and  whose  knowledge  must  be  gained  through  self- 
instruction. 

The  compilers  have  drawn  upon  many  sources  and  have 
endeavored  to  make  available  the  suggestions  received  and 
methods  used  by  many  librarians  and  practical  binders,  and 
grateful  acknowledgment  is  herewith  made  for  the  co-opera- 
tion and  helpful  suggestions  received  from  them. 


MENDING  AND  REPAIR 
OF  BOOKS 


WHEN  TO  BIND  OR  WHEN  TO  MEND 

THE  question  when  to  bind  or  when  to  mend  is  of  daily 
recurrence,    and    a    decision    must    be    made    upon    the 
examination     of     every     circulating     book     returned,     before 
placing  it   on  the   shelves.     The  answer  will  depend  largely 
on  the  policy  of  the  library  regarding  the  binding  question. 

No  library  can  afford  to  circulate  shabby,  soiled  or  ragged 
books,  because: 

(1)  From  an  economic  standpoint,  a  Jbooks'  ultimate 
usefulness,  or  life,  is  materially  shortene'd  by  neglect  to 
bind  at  first  sign  of  need. 

(2)  When    books    are    given    proper    care    by    the 
library,  standards  are  set  which  insure  a  like  treatment 
on  the  part  of  the  reading  public. 

(3)  The  reading  public  has  a  right  to  expect  that 
its  books  shall  be  clean  and  whole,  and  that  its  prop- 
erty shall  be  in  proper  condition  for  satisfactory  use. 

WHEN  TO  BIND 

When  the  stitches  break  and  a  section  or  a  few  leaves  fall 
out,  the  book  should  be  sent  to  the  bindery  immediately. 

This  is  happening  daily  with  the  original  publish- 
ers' bindings.  If  the  book  is  removed  from  the  shelves 
the  librarian  is  at  once  confronted  by  the  problem  of 
being  unable  to  answer  the  unceasing  cry  for  the  last 
new  novel,  as  it  is  the  fiction  which  is  usually  in  this 
condition.  However,  if  the  book  is  allowed  to  circulate 
a  few  more  times  there  are  "pages  missing"  and  the 
book  has  become  valueless. 

No  book  should  be  rebound  with  pages  missing. 


10  MENDING  OF  BOOKS 

When  the  stitches  have  not  broken,  but  either  a  few  or 
all  the  sections  have  become  loose:  « 

There  is  no  excuse  for  the  librarian  to  leave  upon 
her  shelves  or  permit  to  circulate  books  that  are  held 
together  only  by  the  slender  threads  with  which  they 
are  sewed  and  threatening  at  any  moment  to  come 
tumbling  forth  from  the  cover.  Such  books  speak  in  no 
uncertain  terms  for  rebinding  or  permanent  withdrawal 
from  the  shelves. 

Shall  books  be  sent  to  the  bindery  when  in  greatest  demand? 

YES,  when  they  cannot  be  circulated  further  without  per- 
manent injury  to  them. 

Such  books  should  be  hastened  through  the  bindery 
by  statement  to  binder  regarding  immediate  need.  If 
your  present  binder  cannot  bind  promptly,  find  one  who 
will.  A  month  is  a  reasonable  time. 

The  prompt  rebinding  of  a  book  more  than  doubles 
its  life.  If  the  book  has  been  reinfoiced  at  first  sign 
of  giving  way  (see  page  17)  all  the  temporary  assistance 
that  can  safely  be  given  has  been  rendered  and  if  the 
book  is  of  permanent  value  to  the  library  it  must  be 
rebound. 

WHEN  TO  MEND 

When  the  stitches  are  not  broken  or  loosened,  and  still 
hold  sections  firmly  together. 

When  the  joints  are  loose. 

When  the  book  has  once  been  rebound. 

The  tendency  among  librarians  is  to  mend  too  much  be- 
fore rebinding.  Mending  makes  rebinding  more  difficult  and 
jeopardizes  the  life  of  the  book. 

It  is  only  in  rare  cases,  such  as  the  fact  that  a  book  is 
out  of  print,  and  yet  valuable  to  the  library,  that  a  second 
rebinding  is  justified. 


MENDING-  OF  BOOKS  11 

WHEN  TO  REPLACE 

Will  it  6e  cheaper  to  mend  a  look  and,  when  its  short  life 
is  done,  withdraw  and  replace  with  a  new  copy? 

YES,  when  the  original  cost  is  less  than  rebinding. 

NOTE — In  the  decision  to  replace,  the  labor  of  acces- 
sioning and  withdrawal  must  always  be  taken  into 
account. 

The  fresh,  clean  copies  of  the  "easy  books"  and 
other  good,  inexpensive  juvenile  books  are  to  be  pre- 
ferred to  rebound  copies.  If  the  original  binding  is  so 
poor  that  a  second  copy  would  shortly  be  in  the  same 
condition  as  the  first,  it  is  then  advisable  to  send  the 
book  promptly  to  the  bindery  for  recasing,  preferably 
before  circulating.  Greater  durability  is  thus  insured. 
If  the  book  has  an  attractive  original  cover  it  is  pre- 
served and  the  value  of  the  book  enhanced  thereby. 

YES,   when  the  paper  is  of  such  poor  quality  that  the 
leaves  break  away  from  the  stitching. 

YES,  when  the  book  is  extremely  soiled;  replace,  even  if 
it  costs  more  than  rebinding. 

YES,  when  a  new  edition,  or  better  books  on  the  same  sub- 
ject have  been  published. 

In  replacing  fiction,  inexpensive  editions  are  available 
for  many  popular  titles  in  the  Grqsset  &  Dunlap  edition, 
Burt  Home  Library,  Everyman's  Library,  etc. 

Some  inexpensive  editions  rebind  and  wear  as 
well  as  the  first  editions.  Others  because  of  narrow 
margins  or  quality  of  paper  do  not  pay  to  rebind.  A 
little  observation  and  experience  will  soon  prove  what 
titles  can  be  rebound  to  advantage. 

Special  library  binding  may  be  obtained  for  a  few 
titles  of  fiction  and  juvenile  books,  as  some  publishers  are 
issuing  these  in  binding  following  the  specifications  of  the 
A.  L.  A.  Committee  on  Binding.  These  cost  more  than 
the  regular  edition  but  the  additional  cost  repays  in 
increased  durability. 

The  publishers  give  ample  notice  of  new  titles  that  are 
to  be  published  in  this  way.  In  ordering  books,  it  is 
desirable  to  give  general  instructions  that  the  special 
library  binding  is  desired  whenever  available. 


12  MENDING  OF   BOOKS 

THE  MENDING  TABLE:     ITS  SUPPLIES 

A  piece  of  glass  or  white  oil  cloth,  cut  to  fit  the  size  of  the 
table,  will  be  found  most  conducive  to  cleanliness,  as  it  can  be 
quickly  and  easily  washed. 

Paste.     Library  paste,  powder  form,  mixed  as  needed. 

Cloth.  White  outing  flannel,  cheese  cloth  and  cheap 
grade  of  canton  flannel,  purchased  by  the  yard  at  any 
dry  goods  store. 

Art  Vellum  in  assorted  colors,  cut  in  strips. 
Cambric  cut  in  strips. 

Paper.  Onion  skin  bond,  cockle  finish,  9  Ib.  weight. 
Cut  into  strips  for  use;  tissue  paper. 

Brushes.  Flat,  rubber- set  photographer's  brush,  about 
1  inch  wide;  also  artist's  round  bristle  y2  inch  thick. 

Scissors.    Slender,  six-inch  blade,  good  quality. 

Knife.  Shoemaker's  long  blade,  square  at  end,  or  com- 
mon paring-knife  purchased  at  hardware  store. 

Folder.    Bone,  15c,  purchased  at  stationer's. 

Needles.  Milward's  Sharps,  No.  1,  or  any  strong  and 
not  too  coarse  darning  needle. 

Thread.    Hayes'  linen,  No.  25;  Barbour's  linen,  No.  40. 

Pressing  tins.  6x8  in.,  obtained  at  tin  shop.  Zinc  is 
pleasanter  to  use  and  will  not  rust. 

Cleansers.  Wash  for  pages;  wash  for  book  covers;  pow- 
dered pumice  stone;  art  gum,  lOc  per  cube. 

Shellac.  Consult  local  druggist  or  paint  dealer  regard- 
ing the  best  white  shellac. 

Press.  An  old  letter-press  can  usually  be  found  in  the 
community  which  may  be  purchased  for  a  small  sum. 
Prices  on  new  copying  press  10  x  12  in.  may  be  ob- 
tained of  local  stationer. 

A  local  bindery  or  any  binder's  supply  house  will  furnish 
mending  materials;  also  price  list  and  samples  of  materials 
may  be  obtained  from  the  following: 

Democrat  Printing  Co.,  Madison,  Wisconsin. 

Gaylord  Bros.,  Syracuse,  New  York. 


MENDING    OF   BOOKS  13 

PASTE,  THE  MENDING  MEDIUM 

Paste  may  be  used  with  less  danger  of  injury  to  the 
book  than  glue,  and  is  the  only  mending  medium  which  should 
be  used  on  books  that  are  to  be  rebound.  Under  no  condi- 
tion should  mucilage  be  used  on  any  book  which  is  to  be 
rebound.  Some  librarians  persist  in  doing  this  and  then 
expect  the  binder  to  do  good  work.  Glue  should  never  be 
used  except  by  experienced  menders. 

There  are  various  powdered  pastes  on  the  market  used  by 
book-binders,  bill-posters,  paper-hangers  and  others.  Spon 
Tern  or  Steko,  manufactured  by  Clark  Paper  &  Twine  Co., 
Rochester,  N.  Y.,  and  Rex  Dry  Paste,  Geneva,  N.  Y.,  are 
both  excellent  in  adhesive  qualities  and  easily  prepared,  mix- 
ing with  either  hot  or  cold  water  and  without  cooking. 

If  powdered  paste  is  not  obtainable  a  gbod  flour  paste 
may  be  made  as  follows: 

RECIPE  FOR  FLOUR  PASTE 

Mix  a  thin  batter  of  flour  and  water,  cook  and  as  it 
thickens  add  hot  water  until  right  consistency  and  until  thor- 
oughly cooked.  It  will  be  well  cooked  when  all  milky  appear- 
ance of  the  flour  and  water  has  disappeared  and  when  bubbles 
of  air  begin  to  explode  through  the  mixture.  After  taking 
from  the  fire  a  preservative  may  be  added  if  desired,  such  as 
a  half  teaspoonful  of  oil  of  wintergreen  to  a  pint  of  paste. 
At  times  it  is  desirable  to  do  some  simple  pasting,  such 
as  tipping  in  a  single  leaf  or  label,  and  for  such  work  any 
good  library  paste  is  a  great  convenience. 

Use.  Paste  for  small  surfaces  is  more  evenly  spread 
with  the  finger,  and  there  is  less  waste  than  with  a 
brush.  Spread  thinly,  using  only  enough  paste  to 
make  paper  stick  securely. 

Thick  paste  spreads  more  smoothly  than  thin  and  is 
not  taken  up  quickly  by  the  paper.  This  is  an  im- 
portant point,  for  if  the  paper  stretches  or  expands 
the  work  can  not  be  done  in  a  satisfactory  way. 

Provide  cheese  cloth  cut  in  small  pieces  for  use  in 
rubbing  down  the  pasted  parts,  and  for  keeping  the 
fingers  clean,  etc.  These  should  be  used  only  a  few 
times. 

Cleanliness  and  neatness  are  absolutely  essential  to 
good  mending. 


14  MENDING  OF  BOOKS 

WAYS  TO  MEND 

Avoid  too  much  mending. 

Paper  used  for  mending  should  be  cut  lengthwise  with  the 
grain  of  the  paper. 

Cloth  should  be  cut  the  long  way  of  the  material. 

In  mending  always  use  paper  of  lighter  weight  than  the 
book.  For  books  printed  on  heavily  coated  paper,  tissue  or 
bond  is  too  light,  but  paper  cut  from  margins  of  advertising 
pages  of  magazines  is  a  suitable  weight. 

PAGES 

Torn  through  the  printing  may  be  mended  as  follows: 

(1)  Use    un gummed,    transparent    mending    paper, 
cutting  it  the   size  and   shape  of  the  tear,  and  about 
one-half  inch  wide.     Apply  a  thin  coat  of  paste  to  the 
strip   and   fit   it   carefully   over   the   tear,   having  first 
placed  a  strip  of  waste  paper  under  the  torn  leaf  to 
absorb  extra  paste. 

(2)  For  finer  or  better  class  of  books,  upon  which 
more  time  and  care  may  profitably  be  spent,  rub  a  very 
little  paste  on  the  torn  edges,  place  torn  edges  together, 
then  take  a  rather  large  piece  of  ordinary  tissue  paper 
and  rub  it  gently  along  the  tear  so  that  the  tissue  paper 
will  adhere  to  the  torn  edges. 

Put  under  press,  and  when  dry  the  superfluous  tis- 
sue paper  should  be  torn  off,  using  care  to  pull  always 
toward  the  tear  and  from  both  sides  at  the  same  time. 
The  delicate  fibre  of  the  tissue  paper  acts  as  an  adhesive 
and  it  is  almost  impossible  to  discern  the  way  in  which 
the  mending  has  been  done. 

Torn  in  the  margin 

Use  thin,  firm  mending  paper,  preferably  a  tint  to 
match  paper  of  the  book. 

Cut  a  strip  one-half  inch  wide  corresponding  to  the 
size  and  shape  of  the  tear,  apply  paste  and  trim  even 
with  the  edge  of  the  leaf. 

When  these  processes  are  used,  place  books  in  press  until 
thoroughly  dry. 

Do  not  use  gummed  paper  for  this  work.  It  makes  a  dis- 
colored patch  on  the  pag'e  and  the  mending  very  apparent. 


MENDING   OF   BOOKS  15 


LEAVES 


When  loose  leaves  are  replaced  the  greatest  care  should 
be  taken  to  make  sure  that  they  do  not  extend  beyond  the 
edge  of  the  book.  If  this  occurs,  it  shows  careless  or  inex- 
perienced mending^ 

Loose  leaves  may  be  inserted  in  several  ways: 

(1)  If  the  leaf  fits  exactly  into  the  book,  it  may  be 
tipped  in  by  applying  paste  to  one-eighth  inch  of  its 
inner  margin. 

Place  the  loose  leaf  in  the  book,  the  outer  edge  even 
with  the  book,  and  rub  down  the  pasted  inner  margin 
against  the  next  leaf  with  bone  folder. 

Put  the  book  in  press  until  dry. 

Illustrations  may  be  tipped-in  in  this  way  when  it  is 
desirable  to  preserve  them. 

(2)  If  it  is  found  by  measuring  that  the  leaf  when 
inserted,  will  extend  beyond  the  edge  of  the  book,  fold 
the  leaf  at  the  inner  margin  over  a  ruler  edge,  or  other 
straight  edge,  slightly  more  than  one-eighth  of  an  inch, 
thus  making  a  hinge.     Apply  paste  to  this  hinge  with 
the  finger.    Place  leaf  in  the  book  and  push  well  back; 
rub  the  little  pasted  hinge  down  with  bone  folder,  being 
careful  to  leave  no  free  paste. 

(3)  In  case  the  quality  of  the  paper  of  the  leaf  to  be 
inserted  will  not   stand  the   tipping-in  process,   or   is 
badly  worn  at  the  inner  margin,  it  may  be  inserted  by 
a  guard.     Fold  a  half-inch  strip  of  onion  skin  paper, 
lengthwise.     Apply  a  thin  coat  of  paste  to  the  outside 
of  this  strip.    Attach  half  of  the  strip  to  the  inner  edge 
of  the  loose  leaf,  and  the  other  half  to  the  adjoining 
page  in  the  book,  close  in  by  the  fold.     Trim  edge  of 
leaf  if  it  projects.     Put  in  press  until  dry. 

Do  not  use  gummed  muslin  for  this  work.  It  destroys 
the  chance  of  proper  rebinding  and  detracts  from  the  appear- 
ance of  the  rebound  book. 


16  MENDING  OF  BOOKS 

SECTIONS 

When  more  than  one  section,  sometimes  called  signature, 
is  loose  in  a  book  which  is  worth  rebinding,  it  should  be 
rebound  at  once. 

When  the  thread  in  one  section  only  is  broken,  or  one 
section  only  is  loose  in  a  rebound  book  and  the  rest  of  the 
binding  is  intact,  the  section  should  be  inserted.  To  avoid 
further  ravelling,  it  is  necessary  to  secure  the  broken  threads 
of  the  book  either  by  fastening  them  together,  or  attaching 
to  new  threads;  also  that  the  loose  section  is  sewed  or  tied 
through  the  super  on  the  back  .of  the  book. 

Loose  sections  may  be  inserted  as  follows: 

If  the  folds  of  the  leaves  in  the  loose  section  are 
torn  or  thin,  they  should  be  mended  before  replacing 
the  section.  Take  a  half-inch  strip  of  thin,  firm  paper, 
the  length  of  the  page;  fold  through  the  middle  length- 
wise and  paste  down  through  the  center  fold  of  the 
leaves.  A  touch  of  paste  along  the  fold  of  each  will  hold 
all  the  sheets  together. 

Open  the  book  at  the  place  where  the  section  is  loose. 
(When  the  book  is  open  the  back  of  the  book  separates 
from  the  cover.) 

Open  the  loose  section  and  place  it  in  the  proper 
position  in  the  book.  Near  the  top  and  bottom  in  the 
center  fold  of  the  section  will  be  seen  the  holes  which 
were  made  by  the  binder. 

Thread  a  needle  with  Barbour's  linen  thread  No.  40, 
or  Hayes'  linen  thread  No.  25,  and  tie  new  thread  to 
broken  end  of  thread  in  book. 

Pass  the  needle  through  the  hole  at  the  top  of  the 
loose  section  and  out  between  the  book  and  its  loose 
back.  Do  not  pull  the  thread  clear  through. 

Drop  the  needle  and  thread  down  between  the  back 
of  the  book  and  the  loose  back  to  the  bottom. 

Run  the  needle  and  thread  from  the  outside  in 
through  the  hole  at  the  bottom  of  the  loose  section. 

Pass  the  needle  and  thread  around  again  in  the  same 
way.  Draw  tight  and  tie  with  a  hard  knot  at  the  point 
of  beginning. 


MENDING  OF  BOOKS  17 

JOINTS 

Books  in  the  ordinary  case  or  publishers'  binding  will, 
after  a  short  period  of  use,  show  signs  of  weakness  in  the 
joints  (where  the  book  and  cover  are  attached).  The  paper 
cracks  and  both  it  and  the  super  on  the  back  of  the  book 
loosens  and  unless  immediate  attention  is  given  the  stitching 
breaks  and  the  book  must  go  to  the  bindery. 

This  super  is  a  loosely  woven  cotton  cloth  which  is  glued 
on  the  back  of  books  to  help  hold  the  sections  together,  and 
extends  from  the  back  of  the  book  to  the  inside  of  the  cover 
to  help  hold  the  book  and  cover  together.  In  the  publishers' 
bindings,  this  super  is  usually  all  that  holds  a  book  in  the 
cover. 

Loose  joints  may  be 

Reinforced  by  tightening  and  stripping. 

Hold  the  book  open  in  an  upright  position  on  the 
table.  The  back  will  separate  in  a  curve  from  body  of 
book;  with  the  round  brush  apply  paste  between  the 
loose  back  and  the  book,  along  the  joints  only.  If  too 
much  paste  is  used  it  will  spread  over  the  back,  causing 
the  cloth  cover  to  become  wrinkled  and  title  illegible. 
Close  the  book,  care  being  taken  to  push  book  well 
back  in  cover,  and  with  bone  folder  rub  well  along  the 
joints,  squeezing  out  any  extra  paste  at  head  and  foot. 
Dry  under  weight  for  a  half-day  at  least. 

Then  with  knife  clean  off  the  ragged  edges  of  torn 
paper  along  the  joint  inside  the  cover.  Place  the  book 
flat  upon  the  table,  the  front  cover  open,  take  book 
of  similar  thickness  and  place  under  open  cover. 

Take  a  strip  of  cambric  or  paper.  Cut  this  strip 
the  exact  length  of  the  book,  and  apply  thick  paste  so 
that  the  paper  or  cloth  will  not  stretch. 

Paste  one-half  of  this  strip  to  the  fly-leaf  and  the 
other  half  of  the  strip  on  the  cover  of  the  book.  Make 
sure  that  the  strip  is  smoothly  laid,  not  stretched  too 
tightly  from  book  to  cover,  or  it  will  pull  up  first  pages 
when  book  is  used;  if  too  loosely  stretched  it  is  un- 
sightly and  fails  of  its  purpose;  allow  the  book  to 
remain  open  until  the  strip  is  dry.  Repeat  this  process 
for  the  back  cover. 


18  MENDING  OF  BOOKS 

RECASING 

When  the  stitching  has  not  broken,  and  the  paper  is  of 
good  quality  a  book  may  be  removed  entirely  from  its  cover 
and  recased. 

In  recasing,  painstaking  care  is  required  and  books  must 
be  in  condition  specified  to  obtain  satisfactory  results. 

Take  a  sharp  knife  and  cut  through  the  super  at  both 
joints.  This  super  is  easily  lifted  from  the  inside  of  the 
book  cover.  Pull  it  off  the  back  of  the  book,  taking 
great  care  in  this,  and  remove  all  particles  of  dried 
glue. 

Take  white  outing  flannel,  which  is  light  in  weight 
and  double-faced,  or  canton  flannel  (downy  side  towards 
the  book),  or  cheesecloth.  Cut  a  strip  as  long  as  the 
back  of  the  book  and  two  inches  wider;  paste  this  over 
the  back  only,  allowing  an  inch  extension  on  each  side. 
Do  not,  in  this  first  process,  put  paste  on  the  extensions. 
Draw  the  cloth  over  the  rounded  edges  of  the  back  (or 
joints) ;  rub  the  back  well  with  bone  folder  and  also 
over  the  rounded  edges,  but  do  not  paste  the  cloth  down 
beyond  the  rounded  edges.  During  this  process  hold  the 
back  of  the  book  so  that  the  sections,  or  signatures,  will 
not  separate.  After  thorough  rubbing  let  dry. 

Apply  paste  to  inside  of  book  covers  one  inch  next 
the  joints;  do  not  put  paste  on  back  of  book.  Place 
book  in  cover,  pushing  well  back,  making  sure  that  it 
is  correctly  placed.  Paste  down  the  one-inch  extension 
of  cloth,  laying  waste  paper  between  it  and  book;  close 
book,  rub  joints  well  with  bone  folder  and  allow  to  dry 
thoroughly. 

Strip  joints,  following  instructions  for  re-inforcing; 
paste  clean  paper  lining  on  book  covers,  press  and  dry. 
The  book  should  then  be  opened  as  carefully  as  a  new 
book. 

PRESSING 

This  adds  greatly  to  the  appearance  of  the  mended  or 
repaired  books.  Do  not  place  weights  over  the  rounded  back 
of  a  book. 

Place  the  pressing  boards  or  tins  over  the  covers  of  the 
book  only,  even  with,  but  not  extending  over,  the  joints. 

Pressure  on  the  rounded  back  will  weaken  a  book  in  the 
most  vital  part. 


MENDING  OF  BOOKS  19 


MISSING  PAGES 

When  a  page  is  missing  and  it  is  impossible  to  replace  the 
book  with  a  new  copy,  the  page  may  be  typewritten  and 
tipped  in. 

When  it  is  necessary  to  rebind  the  book,  the  margin  of 
the  typewritten  page  should  be  left  an  inch  wider  on  each  side 
than  the  regular  margin.  This  is  for  the  convenience  of  the 
binder,  who  will  trim  down  the  margin  in  process  of 
re-binding. 

Make  typewritten  page  conform  to  size  and  shape  of 
printed  page. 


NOTATION  FOR  DAMAGES 

When  there  is  an  injury  to  a  book  which  is  allowed  to 
remain  in  circulation,  the  reading  public  should  be  made 
aware  that  the  damage  is  known  to  the  library  by  a  nota- 
tion, with  date,  near  the  injury,  e.g., 

"Damage  noted  1  Mr.  '16,  Free  Public  Library." 


20  MENDING  OF  BOOKS 

WAYS  TO  CLEAN 

The  book  should  be  cleaned  as  well  as  mended.  Too  much 
attention  cannot  be  given  to  the  cleanliness  of  the  books  in 
circulation.  There  is  nothing  that  more  quickly  creates  a 
distaste  for  the  use  of  a  public  library  than  the  handling  of 
soiled  and  grimy  books. 

Careful  study  of  the  paper  upon  which  books  are  printed 
is  necessary,  and  in  cleaning  the  fact  that  different  papers 
and  finishes  require  different  treatment  must  be  taken  into 
account.  The  spongy  feather-weight  paper  upon  which  much 
of  the  fiction  is  printed  is  difficult  to  clean.  Pencil  marks 
may  be  erased  with  art  gum  used  gently;  soil  of  any  other 
kind  is  almost  impossible  to  remove.  Heavily  cleay-coated 
paper  may  be  cleaned  with  powdered  pumice  or  a  hard 
eraser.  Highly  calendared  paper  and  any  hand  made  paper 
may  be  cleaned  with  a  damp  cloth;  cleaning  but  a  few 
pages  at  a  time  and  allowing  book  to  remain  open  until  dry. 

PAGES 

Soiled  pages  may  be  cleaned  in  the  following  ways: 

With  art  gum,  rub  gently  and  slowly,  holding  the 
page  flat  with  the  left  hand  to  prevent  tearing. 

With  powdered  pumice  stone,  rub  on  with  a  clean 
cloth. 

With  damp  cloth,  be  careful  that  cloth  is  not  too  wet. 
Rub  always  from  inner  margin  of  the  page  outward, 
to  prevent  crumpling. 

Brush  off  carefully  all  particles  of  rubber,  or  pumice 
stone,  allowing!  none  to  remain  in  the  folds  between  the 
leaves. 

Mud  stains  may  be  removed  by  using  a  soft  brush  or 
sponge,  with  a  preparation  of  the  following  proportions: 
One  cup  water,  one  teaspoon  ammonia,  four  drops  carbolic 
acid.  Avoid  too  much  rubbing  or  print  will  blur.  Slip  the 
•pressing  tin  under  the  page,  and  after  washing,  place  white 
blotting  paper  on  each  side  of  the  leaf. 

Ink  stains  may  be  removed  by  one  of  the  standard  ink 
eradicators  to  be  obtained  of  local  stationer  or  druggist. 

Edges  of  the  leaves  may  be  cleaned  by  sandpapering,  hold- 
ing the  leaves  of  the  book  very  firmly  together,  or  putting 
book  into  press. 


MENDING  OF  BOOKS  21 

COVERS 

Soiled  covers  may  be  cleaned  by  using  a  hard  eraser, 
pumice  stone  or  soap  and  water.  The  best  results  are  obtained 
by  the  use  of  the  following  wash: 

Two  parts  good  vinegar  and  one  part  water.  Apply 
with  a  clean  cloth  and  rub  hard  until  dirt  is  removed, 
then  place  upright  to  dry.  This  should  not  be  used  on 
leather. 

The  book  should  then  be  shellacked. 

Shellacked  covers.  New  books  may  receive  preliminary 
care  by  shellacking  before  placing  in  circulation.  Shellacking 
the  covers,  especially  those  in  light  colors,  provides  great 
protection  from  dirt,  and  they  are  then  easily  washed  with 
the  vinegar  and  water.  Another  coat  of  shellac  is  advisable 
after  washing. 

To  .shellac,  hold  the  book  by  the  printed  matter  and 
apply  the  shellac,  which  may  be  diluted  with  a  little 
wood  alcohol,  taking  care  to  shellac  the  edges  well.  Give 
two  coats;  between^  coats  suspend  on  a  cord  over  night 
to  dry.  After  the  last  coat,  rub  with  soft  cloth  slightly 
oiled  with  olive  oil.  This  prevents  sticking. 

If  the  books  are  labeled  before  shellacking,  the  ink 
must  be  allowed  to  dry  thoroughly  or  it  may  run;  in 
removing  the  labels,  use  wood  alcohol  first  to  cut  the 
shellac  and  then  soak  off  with  blotting  paper  and  water. 

Care  should  be  taken  in  the  selection  of  the  shellac;  if 
not,  the  books  will  be  gummy  and  hard. 

The  leather  on  bound  magazines  and  books  often  becomes 
very  dry  and  will  split  and  crack..  This  is  especially  true  of 
books  not  greatly  used,  as  the  oil  of  the  hands  acts  as  a 
great  preservative.  To  prevent  this  cracking  and  splitting, 
some  oil  is  necessary.  Vaseline  is  good  for  this,  applied  with 
a  cotton  pad  covered  with  a  soft  cloth,  and  should  remain 
on  the  leather  for  a  day  to  permit  absorption  of  the  oil. 
Some  leathers  will  absorb  a  second  application,  after  which 
books  may  be  rubbed  down  and  returned  to  shelves.  The 
oil  or  vaseline  does  not  harm  the  gilding.  This  may  be 
done  once  a  year,  depending  upon  the  condition  of  heat  in 
library  and  upon  age  and  condition  of  leather  bound  books. 


22  MENDING  OF  BOOKS 

Worn  covers  may  be  replaced  on  books  with  leather  backs 
by  removing  cloth  from  the  boards  dry,  and  using  this  as  a 
pattern  from  which  to  cut  new  cloth  or  paper.  Reline  inside 
of  boards  with  paper. 

Covers  split  at  joint.  Strips  of  cloth  in  assorted  colors 
may  be  obtained  with  other  mending  supplies  to  reinforce 
covers  split  at  the  joints. 

This  cloth  may  be  obtained  gummed  or  ungummed;  if 
ungummed,  use  glue;  if  gummed,  moisten  with  thin  paste. 

BINDING  RECORD 

Preparation  of  books  for  the  bindery.  Closely  associated 
with  the  work  of  mending  and  repair  of  books  is  that  of 
the  preparation  of  books  for  the  bindery.  Binders  have  com- 
plained of  the  careless  and  unbusiness-like  methods  of  some 
librarians  in  this  matter.  Attention  should  always  be  given 
to  the  following: 

Handle  a  book  to  be  bound  with  more  care  than 
when  the  binding  is  sound. 

Collate  every  book  to  make  sure  that  no  pages  are 
missing,  unless  it  is  ascertained  that  the  binder  includes 
this  process  in  his  work. 

Many  librarians  have  ceased  to  make  bindery  slips, 
except  in  the  case  of  important  books  requiring  compli- 
cated titles  or  for  magazines.  When  slip  is  not  made, 
an  excellent  way  to  indicate  the  lettering  for  the  back 
of  book,  is  to  underscore  lightly  in  lead  pencil  on  title 
page,  the  specific  words  in  title  desired;  for  author 
underscore  twice. 

The  material  to  be  used  for  binding  is  generally  de- 
cided upon  in  advance  by  conference  or  correspondence 
with  binder. 

Magazines  should  be  carefully  examined  to  make 
sure  that  each  volume  is  complete,  including  title  page 
and  index.  The  librarian  should  write  to  the  publisher 
for  these,  if  they  are  not  received  within  a  reasonable 
time  after  the  volume  is  completed.  If  missing,  instruct 
binder  to  bind  in  stubs  so  that  they  may  be  inserted 
when  obtained. 

In  giving  directions  for  magazines  to  be  bound  with 
stubs,  state  whether  stubs  are  to  be  at  the  beginning 
or  end  of  the  volume.  Look  over  previous  volumes  of 
set  that  your  volumes  may  be  uniform  in  the  placing  of 
the  index,  and  follow  the  printer's  arrangement. 


MENDING  OF  BOOKS  23 

Send  an  alphabetical  list  of  the  books  to  the  bindery 
for  checking  purposes.  Keep  a  duplicate  copy. 

File  alphabetically  in  charging  tray  the  book  cards 
that  have  been  removed  from  the  books;  charge  these 
to  the  bindery. 

Magazines  should  have  a  bindery  slip  made  and  a 
sample  volume  already  bound  sent  that  each  set  may 
be  uniform  as  to  color  of  cover,  lettering,  etc.  The  slip 
should  show  definitely  the  placing  and  abbreviations  of 
volume  numbers,  dates,  etc. 

When  books  are  returned  from  the  bindery.  Examine  care- 
fully for  flexibility;  books  should  open  flat;  evenness  of 
cover;  compactness;  correct  and  even  lettering;  reasonably 
wide  margins. 

Check  books  with  duplicate  list. 

Pay  no  bills  until  all  mistakes  are  rectified.  Mis- 
takes in  lettering  can  be  corrected,  and  when  this  occurs 
return  to  the  bindery. 

Enter  in  accession  book  under  "remarks,"  opposite 
the  entry  of  each  book  the  date  when  the  book  was 
rebound:  e.  g.,  "reb'd  1  Jc.,  16";  also  on  inside  of 
lower  front  cover  near 'the  joint.  A  rubber  stamp  at 
small  expense  may  be  ordered  from  any  stamp  works, 
with  the  word  "reb'd"  to  be  inserted  in  the  pencil  date 
holder  with  the  date.  This  saves  writing. 

Enter  on  the  monthly  report  blank  the  total  number 
of  books  rebound.  (This  gives  data  for  yearly  total  and 
obviates  the  necessity  of  keeping  binding  book.) 

TEMPORARY  BINDERS 

The  Gaylord  Bros.'  red  rope  binder  provides  an  inexpensive 
magazine  binder,  both  for  the  current  periodicals  in  use  in  the 
reading  room  and  those  in  circulation.  The  cover  of  the 
magazine  may  be  pasted  on  the  outside  of  the  binder,  and 
after  the  current  month  the  magazine  may  be  circulated  just 
as  a  book,  without  damage  for  future  binding. 

Information  as  to  terms  used  in  binding1  and  mending  and 
illustrations  of  the  structure  of  a  book  may  be  found  in  the 
following : 

A.   L.   A.  Committee — Binding  for   small  libraries $  .15 

Cockrell,  Douglass — Book  binding  and  flie  care  of  books . . 

Appleton  1.25 

Coutts,   H.   T.  and   Stephens,   G.   A.— Manual  of   library 

book  binding Libraco,  London  1.50 

Dana,  J.  C. — Book  binding  for  libraries. .  .Library  Bureau     .75 


^H 

RETURN  TO  the  circulation  desk  of  any 

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or  to  the 

NORTHERN  REGIONAL  LIBRARY  FACILITY 
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University  of  California 
Richmond,  CA  94804-4698 

ALL  BOOKS  MAY  BE  RECALLED  AFTER  7  DAYS 
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(510)642-6753 
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to  NRLF 
Renewals    and    recharges    may    be    made    4    days 

prior  to  due  date 

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